The discovery of a woman’s body off a renowned hiking trail has sent shockwaves throughout Maryland. Police are currently treating the death of Rachel Morin, believed to be the found victim, as a homicide.
Suspicious Disappearance Leads to Grim Find
Rachel Morin, aged 37, was last seen heading to the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air around 6 p.m. on a Saturday evening. When she didn’t return, her concerned boyfriend reported her missing at approximately 11:30 p.m. Harford County Sheriff, Jeffrey Gahler, disclosed that by the following day, her vehicle was found parked at the trail’s entrance. Unfortunately, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, a volunteer searcher stumbled upon Morin’s body.
Local resident Kathy Tunney conveyed her concerns to CBS Baltimore, stating, “Given the command center’s presence, we presumed something significant and grim had occurred.”
Urging Vigilance on the Trail
While the crime scene has since been cleared, Sheriff Gahler is advising those frequenting the trail to remain cautious and vigilant. Although he couldn’t guarantee the public’s safety, he stressed the importance of the trail to Harford County’s community.
The once tranquil community now reels in disbelief. Kathy Tunney expressed her shock, recounting her daughter’s recent run on the same trail, emphasizing its safety in the past.
Sheriff Gahler, emphasizing public safety, recommended trail-goers to always stay alert and consider taking precautions like buddying-up, carrying a whistle, or other alert devices. He also stressed the importance of keeping family informed and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Community Support and Memorial Fund
The Ma & Pa Trail, situated at the heart of Bel Air and approximately 30 miles from Baltimore, is a treasured local landmark. In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page, established by Rebekah Morin, Rachel’s sister, has garnered donations exceeding $20,000. Rebekah poignantly wrote about ensuring her sister receives a fitting memorial, stating, “This wasn’t an accident. She deserves a funeral reflecting her radiant beauty.”
